Skin CD30(+) T cells and circulating levels of soluble CD30 are increased in patients with graft versus host disease

Objective: To determine serum soluble CD30 (sCD30) levels in patients with graft versus host disease (GVHD). Methods: Serum soluble CD30 levels and IgE levels were assayed by a sensitive ELISA in 57 patients with bone marrow transplantation, and in 44 healthy controls. We analyzed the type of effector T cells in patients with GVHD. Results: Serum levels of sCD30 and serum IgE levels were significantly higher (p values <0.05) in patients with acute and chronic GVHD than in healthy controls. We found that CD30(+) T-cells are present in the skin of patients with GVHD. Conclusion: These results suggest that serum sCD30 levels may be helpful for the management of patients with bone marrow transplantation.